Reynolds to miss rest of season after surgery

Essendon's promising 19-year-old Joel Reynolds had surgery yesterday to correct his osteitis pubis problem and will miss the rest of the AFL season.

Reynolds, grandson of legend Dick Reynolds and a potential star in his own right, is highly regarded by the Bombers.

Coach Kevin Sheedy said yesterday the club had tried to nurse Reynolds through the season but had decided surgery was the best option. Sheedy said criticism of him moving players, including Reynolds, on and off the ground was ill-informed.

"There was a reason for it, and we couldn't make that comment at the time," he said. "The correct decision was made and he's got his 20-odd games up at 18 or 19 years of age (he is 19) and that's a good base for him. Now he can come back next year and perhaps continue on."

The slight Reynolds played 14 games this year to take his tally to 23 in two seasons. He last played against Adelaide on July 11.");document.write("

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Reynolds' groin surgery enables the Bombers, who are just outside the top eight with an 8-8 record, to include a player from the rookie list if they want to until round 18. Sheedy named Ken Hall, Ben Haynes and Courtney Johns as prospects, and also said draftees Jason Winderlich and Darren Walsh would be considered.

The weather will influence selectors' decisions, and while the Bombers trained in the rain yesterday, Sheedy said small, quick players would be considered for Saturday's match against Melbourne at the MCG.

"We'll look at (Mark) Mercuri, we'll look at players who've got some pace," he said. "Cory McGrath, those sort of players. One or two of the younger players are very unlucky they haven't come in."

Sheedy said those who did not play last weekend would be fresh, after the senior 22 had a tough battle in beating Brisbane.